Synopsis

Allen’s search for a peaceful life takes him to the neighboring Viktor Empire, and the motley crew he’s assembled, including Riese, his former betrothed, each have their own reasons for accompanying him. It doesn’t take long for him to run into Anriette, a girl who he knows from his past life as a hero—who doesn’t hesitate to tell him to leave before he gets into more trouble! In what is starting to become a pattern, Allen finds himself far from the peaceful existence he seeks. This time, his adventures lead him to the hidden Elven Forest. Could this finally be the tranquil sanctuary he’s been searching for? (Source: J-Novel Club)

The Banished Former Hero and Troubles in the Empire!

Having solved the crisis in the royal capital, the third volume in the Banished Former Hero’s saga finds Allen preparing for a big move.

Deciding that the kingdom is no longer suitable for his dreams of the ultimate quiet life, the latest addition to the story sees Allen try his luck with the neighbouring nation, the Viktor Empire. Unfortunately, trouble follows Allen everywhere, and a foreboding warning from a long-time friend sets off a chain of misfortune. As it turns out, the Empire has been undergoing its own period of strain. An eerie disquiet lines the city streets as demons and an independent fighting force, The Black Wolf Knights, threaten to descend the nation into chaos, especially its group of resident elves.

For a rather simplistic-sounding plot, the initial setup in this volume is unusually complex. By hanging the threads of several different plots, the author has run into the problem of giving themselves too much to do.

Exacerbating the issue, the initial start to these threads is given in conversation between Allen and Anriette, his long-term friend. Not usually an issue; the problems arise because the two know each other well enough to know each other’s intentions without speaking. As a result, some vital information gets lost in the fold, e.g., background on the Black Wolf Knights and the reason for the attempt on Allen’s life, all of which play into the main conflict. It is later revealed, however, that the Knight Corps has special privileges when it comes to the extermination of demons.

The story becomes clearer as the narrative shifts towards an elf settlement within the Empire, who end up playing centre stage for the conflict. Removed from the hatred between humans and demons, they’ve been helping to harbour orphaned demon children.

This naturally flows into an eventual conflict between the elves and the Knight Corps, and the author uses this as an opportunity to question Allen’s morality. There’s a decent dilemma set in place here as Allen ponders whether protecting demons is the right thing to do. As the physical manifestation of destruction, demons do untold harm. Is it right, however, that Allen should leave their children to die even though they are still innocent? While Allen’s job as a former hero eventually guides him towards a moral solution, the hesitation suggests a deeper trauma at play.

Alongside these ethical dilemmas for Allen, visiting the elf’s settlement raises some interesting developments for Nell. Coincidentally, ending up being the descendent of elf royalty, she has her own tough decisions to make about her place alongside Allen, as well as her journey to become a better blacksmith. Additionally, these segments added some much-needed depth to the elf culture of this fantasy world. The fact that they are heavily influenced by their natural environment and that their lifecycle is dependent on the royal bloodline makes for some interesting little touches.

Despite a rocky start, the third instalment of the Banished Former Hero still has its good moments. While the setup was somewhat flawed, the plot line focused on the elf settlement provided some much-needed ethical dilemmas as well as an interesting focus on world-building regarding elf culture.

I Give the Banished Former Hero Volume 3: 6/10